Russell 2000 in March: seasonality and history
Since 1988, the Russell 2000 has risen in March in 67% of years (26 of 39), with an average return of +0.41% and a median of +1.12%. That makes March its #9 month of 12.
Average+0.41%
Years up67%
Best year2009 · +8.67%
Worst year2020 · −21.90%
The seasonal path through March
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through March, all years since 1988.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 17 | +0.65% | 71% |
| Mar 26 | +0.58% | 59% |
| Mar 1 | +0.58% | 71% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 22 | −0.40% | 36% |
| Mar 20 | −0.38% | 39% |
| Mar 12 | −0.36% | 41% |
Seasonal trend windows touching March
- ▼ Bearish Mar 5 – Mar 16 · 12 days · seasonal Σ −1.26%
March in recent years
| Year | Russell 2000 in March |
|---|---|
| 2026 | −5.17% |
| 2025 | −6.99% |
| 2024 | +3.39% |
| 2023 | −4.98% |
| 2022 | +1.08% |
| 2021 | +0.88% |
| 2020 | −21.90% |
| 2019 | −2.27% |
| 2018 | +1.12% |
| 2017 | −0.05% |
Questions
Is March a good month for the Russell 2000?
On average, yes: +0.41% since 1988, rising in 67% of years. But the range is wide, from −21.90% in 2020 to +8.67% in 2009, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in March?
Mar 17 (+0.65%, up 71% of years), Mar 26 (+0.58%, up 59% of years), Mar 1 (+0.58%, up 71% of years).